Pablo Cruz-Ayala explores the intersections between their Mexican/American heritage, status as an undocumented immigrant, and relationships in community and land through visual art. Pursuing passions within community health and art. He hopes to improve individual and community well-being and health accessibility through art programming and development. Pablo is currently pursuing a dual bachelor’s education in Biomedical Engineering and Painting and Drawing at the University of Utah and an honors thesis in community art research. His work aims to bring light to the impact visual art has on physical well-being through art interactions in Salt Lake City and community belonging. Additionally, Pablo currently contributes to the living traditions program for Artes De Mexico en Utah and the UMFA. Dedicated recent years to nurturing and strengthening professional art and stem development organizations in Utah. Targeting those with similar barriers experienced through undocumented and immigrant status. Pablo focuses on how art can tell stories and instill a sense of respect for viewers and participants across backgrounds. Their work aims to visualize the stories that have been marginalized and neglected within immigrant experiences. They hope to bridge community and communication beyond language, culture, and accessibility.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I explore the long-lasting impacts of the Spanish colonization of Mexico through a constantly developing folklore recontextualization. I work to visualize the Latin American cultural identity to deconstruct the complex and sometimes paradoxical nature of culture after erasure. My artwork integrates multi-media portraiture framed by folkloric motifs that create a story within modernity and antiquity. I enjoy connecting visual elements from remaining artifacts of pre-Colombian Indigenous South American cultures to reinterpret contemporary Western art cultural standards. Opening the grounds for conversations about what and why we hold things precious to ourselves and our culture. I use my experiences within community, health, and immigration to create stories for those who’ve felt left behind. My artwork and research expand on my identity and walk through internal conflicts as an immigrant in the Utah landscape. I hope to add to the discussion of sharing challenges concerning intersectional cultural identities with a yearning for representation, connection, and discussion.
LINKS
https://pabloayalaart.myportfolio.com/
IMAGES
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Ofrenda Al Tierra,” 2023, acrylic, mixed media, 36 x 48 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Ofrenda Al Tierra,” 2023, acrylic, mixed media, 36 x 48 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Lamentations Across Guachimontones,” 2023, oil, 36 x 24 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Intersections of Land and Regret,” 2022, acrylic, mixed media, 36 x 48 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Tersoros de mi Padre,” 2022, acrylic, mixed media, 18 x 16 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Growth Within Time and Death” 2023, oil, 12 x 12 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Loving Blaze,” 2023, oil, 15 x 15 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Emergencies Without Language,” 2023, oil, 16 x 18 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Ofrenda Al Tierra,” 2023, relief print, 18 x 24 in.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala, “Migration without Integration,” 2023, acrylic, mixed media, 36 x 48 in.
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Categories: Multi-media | Painting | Utah Artists - C
